Is FIAT Next In Line To Get Electrified Quadricycle Platform?

Over the past year, we have talked a lot about Stellantis’ electrified quadricycle platform. What began as a Citroën specific product selling more than 20,000 units alone in France, it has since been sold throughout most of Europe (in some markets as an Opel). Stellantis has even introduced several variants of its quadricycle, including cargo delivery and even a beach buggy concept.

But now it looks like the quadricycle program will spread even further than the Stellantis portfolio, to include the FIAT brand. 

Scheduled to make its debut in Italy, Stellantis has teased its FIAT dealer base with images ahead of a 2023 launch. According to those dealers, the electrified quadricycle will wear the Topolino name after the iconic FIAT small car that was in production from 1936 to 1955.

To help differentate itself from its Citroën and Opel variants, the FIAT model could offer a version with a canvas roof. This would conjure up memories of the original Topolino, as it was offered as a convertible with a canvas roof as well. We also wouldnt be surprised if FIAT offers a cargo delivery model too.

Currently, the Ami and Rocks-e only weigh 485 kg (or about 1,069 lbs) with its 5.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, housed flat under the floor, don’t expect lightning performance like most electric vehicles on the market. The Stellantis electrified quadricycle only has a 6.5 kW electric motor that operates at 48-volts driving its front wheels, which lets the vehicle can travel up to a top speed of 45 km/h (28 mph). 

The vehicle is capable to an 80% in 3 hours on a 230-volt household outlet, giving it a maximum range of 75 kilometers (47 miles).

To save costs, the body is completely symmetrical; not only left-right symmetrical, but also front-rear symmetrical, except for the doors and the roof. As a result it has doors with opposite openings, regular for the passenger and antagonistic for the driver, the doors being identical with the hinges on the same side. There are no other doors, making the storage spaces of the vehicle only accessible from the two side doors.

The Topolino measures 2.41 meters (7 foot, 11 inches) in length, 1.39 meters (4 foot, 7 inches) excluding its mirrors in width, and 1.52 meters (5 foot) in height. 

We expect the FIAT Topolino to be unveiled later this summer, ahead of a debut early next year.

The United States (U.S.) could also see the Fiat Topolino in a few select various markets, as a fleet only option with Stellantis’ Free2Move program. Free2Move offers a range of services to satisfy the multiple travel needs of its customers from one minute to several days or months with car-sharing service, short-, medium- or long-term rental as well as the reservation of VTC drivers, parking spaces and charging stations via the app.

Already present in markets like Washington D.C., Los Angeles (California), Portland (Oregon), Denver (Colorado), Columbus (Ohio), and Austin (Texas), the Free2Move has teased the Citroën Ami has a possibility to join its program in the Washington D.C. market. However, since the Citroën and Opel brands are no longer sold in the U.S. market, a FIAT branded Topolino could fit the profile that Free2Move is looking for.

The renderings shown, were created by Brazilian desinger Kleber Silva (published on Behance).